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Travel to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, UAE

The United Arab Emirates is the Las Vegas of the Middle East. You can easily take your family or a couples visit to an amazing place that has grown over the years. I was fortunate enough to have spent two years on and off with some great work friends. Here’s the break down.

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Getting to Dubai, UAE

It’s hot and can be pricey. Expect to pack clothes that fits the culture. Women shouldn’t be indecent and should cover. Just think 1950s USA. Don’t need to dress like you’re going to church, but outside of the hotels, you may get looks. Dress for the heat. You’ll want to stay covered and use sunscreen. Dubai airport is huge and expect to walk a long distance after you get off. If you’re doing connecting flights, you need 2 hours between or you’re in trouble. Take out $200 in local cash. Cash still is king. Local taxis are generous and mostly driven by foreigners such as Indians. Your food service and hotel help is mostly Filipinos. Also be mindful of swearing and obscene expression. Don’t shoot the finger and don’t swear at someone. You’ll be fined.

Any airline that comes into Dubai is good. Just be ready for the heat.

Drinking in UAE

If you’re a Muslim, it’s against the law. If you’re a foreigner, you’ll need to drink at the hotels and restaurants attached. If you want to pick up liquor from a local store, you need a liquor card. It’s best to save the drinking for the beaches and resorts.

Where to Stay

When you’re staying in Dubai, it comes down to spending $100-$200 a night. Check AirBnbs, but be ready for some high prices. Hotel Atlantis is a resort and worth it, but will cost you some money. There is no Motel 6. Expect to pay money. I would recommend two nights in Dubai to get the most for your experience.

Source: https://www.atlantis.com/dubai

If you can, stay at the Atlantis for a couple of nights. For budget, find other options.

Things to do in Dubai

Dubai Mall

Source: https://thedubaimall.com/

The King of all malls. You want luxury, they have it. They have a fish tank in the middle. Does your mall have like this? No. They want to splurge on experiences for everyone. Why not? This place is worth visiting with the kids. Expect to pay a lot for food and snacks. Fast food for cheap.

Ski Dubai

Source: https://www.skidxb.com/en-ae/ski-dubai

You have to do it. Take the kids. I did it when I went for my first time in Dubai. It was a dream to do something this crazy. You’ll never regret it and it’s worth the price.

Tallest Skyscraper in the Word – Burj Khalifa

Source: https://www.burjkhalifa.ae/

If you’re in Dubai, you must go up in it. You’ll never lose track anywhere you are in the city and they did a good job. You’ll spend some money, but when will you ever do this again? Get tickets online or in advanced. Don’t wait.

Sailboat 7 Star Hotel

Source: https://www.jumeirah.com/en/stay/dubai/burj-al-arab-jumeirah

I’ll just say it right now. You’re not staying here. This 7 star.. Yes, 7 star hotel is one of a kind. If you’re able to gain access to have tea, you’ll pay some money for it. This is where all the expensive dreams come true. You see plenty of videos about how people do adventure stuff from the top of this. I have friends that made it inside, but I never went. I didn’t care enough to pay the toll.

Getting to Abu Dhabi, UAE

You can get to Abu Dhabi directly by flying into the airport or drive down from Dubai. Just me mindful that the boxes on the side of the road are speed traps that take pictures. 5 over will get a shot and you get a nasty bill later. Be sure to be in an air conditions car for the children. If you’re not taking a family everywhere, don’t forget that local taxis are good. It’s less headache to take one and let someone else drive for you. I’ve spent plenty of time here and have a few strong recommendations.

Where to Stay

Try 2 nights at Ritz Carlton:

Source: https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/auhrz-the-ritz-carlton-abu-dhabi-grand-canal/overview/

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I must confess that I’ve spent most of my time in Abu Dhabi while living at the Ritz Carlton. I am biased, but highly recommend it because there is no where else with the same level of customer service. I dreamed of having my family come visit me while I stayed here in the Villas, but my ex-wife wasn’t willing to travel. When you hear about luxury hotels, this is one within most family’s price ranges. Expect to stay two nights and pad yourself $2,000 budget. It’s around $325/night. The restaurants are amazing. Skip the room service and just enjoy what the restaurants give you. You don’t need to leave the resort. The pool side is amazing. Fresh beer or drinks to your chair. You won’t wait. There is someone to serve you. There is no other place in the world that touches the customer service like this. You may get spoiled.

Put the children into the youth clubs and just relax as parents. They have water sports, ping pong, and other activities that the children will enjoy. Just relax at the pool too. Take a taxi anywhere. Walk across the street to the Mosque. Do two nights and see how it treats you.

World’s Most Amazing Buffet

Source: https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/auhrz-the-ritz-carlton-abu-dhabi-grand-canal/dining/auhrz-restaurant-dining-events/

There is nothing else like this. You have the craziest buffet in the world. Get the alcohol package. There was a room dedicated to just port wine. There was a room for sweets that was compared to being at Willy Wonka’s factory garden. It’s excessive. Even if you don’t stay at the Ritz, come on Saturday and enjoy this buffet. You’ll spend most of the time wondering how they do it. However, it’s the Ritz Carlton. Who else would? Also, not all Ritz Carlton’s are equal. This is the one that’s the most attentive customer service. I’ve looked.

Beach Rotana

Source: https://www.rotana.com/rotanahotelandresorts/unitedarabemirates/abudhabi/beachrotana

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I’ve spent a couple of months here and come to enjoy its location. You’re right next to the mall and can walk the family there. It’s on the cheaper end and doesn’t cost as much as the Ritz Carlton. You can get away with 2-5 nights here. This is the most central to downtown. You can drive or taxi to the places you need. The food here is good and you have access to water sports. This is more for budgets.

Things to do in Abu Dhabi

Most of your eating will probably be at the hotels or an occasional food outing at the malls. Here are the things I recommend for family people. Non-families can find other resources on the internet such as clubs and parties. I know those, but those stay in my heart and those stories are saved for friend and family.

The Art Museum

Source: https://www.louvreabudhabi.ae

It’s worth seeing this place. There are rotating pieces that come through. For the art lovers or non-art lovers, you can appreciate the architecture and care put into this place.

Ferrari World

Source: https://www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com/

If you’re a roller coaster junkie, you must ride the world’s fastest roller coaster. This is more for the adults or teenagers. Young ones may not benefit from their eyelids being attached to the back of their heads as the ride accelerates.

Yas Island

Source: https://www.yasisland.com/

Good for families and adults only. It’s where you can find the water parks. Why not? If on a budget, this is the park for you. If you don’t mind splurging, go to Hotel Atlantis in Dubai and get the water park there.

Jet Skiing

Source: https://alrayaadventure.com/

Unbelievable experience. More for adults. You’ll never experience this beach life the same. A couple of friends and I did this and we had so much fun. Thanks to them, I had a great time.

Drive by the Pineapple Building

Source: https://sandytimes.ae/articles/25/architecture-insights-the-story-behind-abu-dhabis-pineapple-looking-buildings

Maybe, your kids will like it. It’s different right? See this and the other weird building. Aldar Headquarters building.

Source: https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/what-to-see/iconic-landmarks/aldar-hq

Falcon Hospital

Source: https://www.falconhospital.com/

So, you like birds? So do the Emirates. My buddy and I visited this in hopes to get a tour and sometimes, they offer one. However, our timing gave us a room full of locals with their birds hanging out. While leaving, we had a driver throat his dead bird out the window. We noticed the carcass on the side of the road. I guess they didn’t save his bird. It’s worth coming here if you’ve done everything else in Abu Dhabi.

Historical UAE Structures

Source:https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/what-to-see/iconic-landmarks/qasr-al-muwaiji

Visit some old stuff. I walked through and felt that it was more of a tourist attraction. However, it doesn’t cost anything. Try it. Extra credit, just like the Alamo, see if you can get into the basement. That’s where they keep Pee Wee Herman’s bike.

Desert Safari

Source: https://www.abudhabi-desert-safari.com/

There is something about someone driving a vehicle over the sands with you in it. Imagine jumping dunes with a local driving. If you’re into thrill, this is cool. They also have outings where you can surf down dunes and enjoy the desert experience. Make sure you go in the evenings and winter times. It’s hot.

Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Source: https://www.szgmc.gov.ae/

We saved the best for last. If you’re staying at the Ritz, you can walk across the road. There is plenty of parking. Just be mindful that females must go into a separate area and get covered. Wear pants and cover yourself as it’s respectful. There is no other mosque as grand as this. This is a treasure. Family friendly.

How income works

Welcome. I’m here to teach you how to think. Critical thinking is required for knowing how generating income works. There are many people out there who make promises that if you listen to them, you’ll make money. Let’s look at the most common ways to make money that are proven to work. Depending on the risk you’re willing to take, the reward will depend. For all my children, I had to teach them about these methods so they’re not fooled by people who think they know how money works.

Also, share this power point to those who need help understanding how income works:

How income worksDownload

V/R,

Norman “Otto” “Harvey ” Bohn – 12/2024

Most common way people make money is by working for a company. Exchanging a person’s time by completing tasks and receiving either contractor (1099 IRS form pay), hourly (W2), or salary (W2). Depending on the task and expertise, the amount you make will be higher. Being a business owner is a higher risk way to make money as you must carry all the risks. Businesses exist on two pieces of paper; revenue and costs. When all the costs are covered, whatever revenue that is leftover is possible income. Side hustles is a way to make extra cash on the site without working for another company. This could be made by providing a service or selling something. Capital gains from buying and selling stocks is an option, but should require money upfront in order to make money. Need money to make money here. There’s Real Estate investments that help people earn income either by buying and selling of properties or renting. Loans against the property are income options if your renters are paying down the mortgage and loan. Lastly, those who have money because people die and they’re the inheritor, is a way that some people come into money. Below is a chart that captures most of this at a high level. If you’re going to earn income and be stable, you’ll want to consider what is success. You have bills to pay and normal goals such as travel, medical coverage, and retirement savings. Most people get their needs met by earning income from a business. It’s not common that people start or own a business. Most small businesses fail and are high risk. Most successful business owners earn income from a market that isn’t saturated and most often, require them to spend much more time for reward. Business owners don’t take time off. When they’re not working, they’re not making any money. There’s no paid vacation. Business owners must pay for their own insurance and those they employ. Most businesses don’t see a return or stable income for years.

How not to make good money

  • Only thinking you’ll make money, but do nothing about it. Except for inheritance, most people need to do something to make money. It’s OK to pray and think about money. However, expecting money to come without any work is a loser, poor person thinking process.
  • Be careful of promises that you’ll need to have a certain vibe or “positive attitude”. You’ll hear “life coaches” tell you that money comes from listening to them. They’ll reference other people who have money or talk about making money, but have nothing for themselves. If the person doesn’t have any money or are pretending to have money, likely, you’ll not learn how to make money. Refer to the above methods to honestly earn something. If only a handful of people make money through a specific method, it’s most likely timing. Some people need attention and they daydream with others about how money is made. Look to earn money through time tested, proven methods. There’s no free money.
  • Multi-Level-Marketing, also known as pyramid schemes, are not good ways to make any good money. The amount of time spent vs the amount of return is way less than minimum wage. Most of these organizations make money by the few on top who make promises of passive income. Except for the 1-5 people on top, the rest do not make any money. They market that you’ll be rich and have cars, houses, and vacations. Most of these are loser ventures. The internet has plenty of reviews on how bad these organizations are and shame on you for falling for it. In the end, these organizations will gas light you into feeling like you’re the one who didn’t work hard enough. “Because you didn’t vibe hard enough or work hard enough, that’s why you’re still poor.” You can only sell to so many people and in the end, they expect you to sell to the limited amount of people you know. MLM feeds on poor, desperate people and is a loser.

In the end, money is only earned a few ways. Someone must be willing to part ways with money and give it to you in exchange for legally made goods and services. Make plans for how you make money from the listings above.

Travel to Cairo, Egypt

Travel to Egypt – Cairo

All my life, I’ve wanted to see the Egyptian pyramids. We grew up on King Tut, pyramids, and the tombs of Luxor. I wanted to climb inside, see the Egyptian hieroglyphs, and visit King Tut’s mask. I was fortunate to do it all. In July 2024, my brother and I traveled to Egypt. Below, I lay out the thought process to traveling.

If choosing to travel with children, it’s recommended that they’re older and can appreciate more. Maybe, high school ages could work. College age is best. I do not recommend bringing toddlers or elementary school aged children unless you’re visiting family. This overview is for the professional tourist and not for the family who’s visiting other family in Egypt.

Season to Travel

Traveling to Cairo will be hot. It’s mostly a dry heat and can be compared to being in Phoenix, Arizona. It’s cheaper to travel when no one wants to visit, but it’s more comfortable to travel when it’s colder. Sometimes, your schedule is dictated by children’s schedules. Traveling during the holidays will impact your travel costs. We went in the summer since children were out of school, travel costs were down, and we had better deals.

Note: Flip your mobile phone sides to better view the table.

Area of ConcernSpringSummerFallWinter
Flight Costs$700s
to 900s		$800s
to $1200s		$800s$700s
Weather Warm Hot CoolingComfortable 

Source: https://weatherspark.com/y/96939/Average-Weather-in-Cairo-Egypt-Year-Round#Figures-Summary

How to pack for this country

Depending on what time of year that you go, you’ll want to consider your packing style. Egypt may be less conservative than other Arab countries. How you dress will attract attention. It’s better to wear pants and polo or button down shirts to blend in, but it’s not unreasonable to wear shorts. Girls and women may need to consider their outfits. Try not to have too revealing of clothes and also keep in mind that about UV protection. Most indoor places have air conditioning. If you need heat relief, plan for it.

Suggested Packing List:

Packing ItemWhere to Buy
International Power Charger Block
(existing two-prong US chargers will work on certain sockets)		$8 : https://amzn.to/409WiZW
Portable Recharging Battery$26: https://amzn.to/49RmLyO
Cell Phone CablesBring existing cables. I would recommend a main and backup set.
Durable Travel Luggage$210: https://amzn.to/3VPUnHC
I’ll create a luggage post soon. I use this very case.
Travel Fold-able Duffel Bag
(For shopping overflow)		$15 or less : https://amzn.to/41Pf2z7
Travel Backpack
(Try low weight, small space types) 		$19 or less: https://amzn.to/4fyODZL
Non-Expensive Sunglasses and HatExisting if you can. Can get dirty and trashed
5 days of underwear and socksExisting if you can
2 pants, 2 day shorts, 4 shirts,1 workout outfit, 1 beltExisting if you can
One pair of walking shoesExisting and expect to get dirty
Toiletry Items – Travel toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, and shampoosExisting or buy at home. Place in gallon zip lock bag
Prescribed Medicines and Melatonin (for sleep)All other medicine is available there and 1/20th the cost found in USA
Cell phones, electronic entertainmentExisting cell phone, Nintendo Switch, tablets
Travel Cell Phone Tripods$40 : https://amzn.to/3BHkjOI
I’m a fan of Manfotto for quality and resale
Wireless headphones$20 : https://amzn.to/3VTPuxa
Cheaper than airport costs
American Cash$100 to $200 (for Tourist Visa and pop ups). Be sure it’s in $5,10, or $20 bills. Nothing over $20. For visiting sites, have $1 bills as easy bribes.
International Travel for Cell PhoneCheck your provider. Getting eSIMs may work, but unsure about Egypt. I was charged $10 day for Egypt. Could hotspot if you need others to borrow traffic.
Printed copy of your travel plans power point. Includes copy of your passport.

Things to Probably Not Pack

  • Travel pillows – Why? It’s extra stuff and you could use your jacket. However, disregard if you’re a professional travel with a travel pillow
  • Open toe shoes – It’s hot, but you’re going to walk everywhere. Probably best to not bring the flip flops. I recommend traveling light.

Picking Flights

When and Where to Leave: If you’re traveling alone or with a few people, it’s best to pick something that fits the slowest person in the group. It’s best to pick major airports such as LAX, JFK, or Washington’s Dulles in order to get the best flight times for the price. Best times to begin travel is between hours of 10 AM and 6 PM. Why? Comfort. 6 AM flights mean that you must get up at 3 AM that includes waking up, getting ready, travel time, check in, security lines, and passport control. If you’re comfortable sleeping on a plane, it’s OK to leave in the evening. A few alcohol drinks and you’re sleeping well. Keep in mind that your arrival to Cario may impact your ability to check into a hotel or AirBnB. Be ready for 2 AM arrival when everyone’s tired and there are limited taxi options. When it comes to eating, the airline will ensure that you’re taken care of and well fed before arrival. Try not to eat the airport if you’re trying to save money. Lastly, check in your luggage. Overhead space is limited. Bring your backpack full of electronics, battery back, and cables. If there’s a layover, you’re not dealing with your luggage and can enjoy jetting out.

When it comes to picking a seat, be sure to get a window or an aisle seat. SeatGuru.com is great for figuring out bad seats. It’s most likely that you’re not paying the money for business or first class. If you’re doing that, why are you reading my blog? Pay someone to do the planning and stay somewhere fancy. Do consider sitting near the middle of the plane for stability. I like it on the wings. When the plane lands, it doesn’t matter when you get off.

Lay overs and Hops: The adventure traveling in me seeks out layovers. From LAX to Egypt, I have options for London, Zurich, Rome, and Istanbul to name a few. You’ll need to decide how long the layover will be and how much you can see. Is it worth it? If you have 4 hours or less, it may not be worth leaving the airport since it’ll take customs, visas, travel (traffic included) and come back. I recommend two hours arrival before you fly out. Look for 4 to 10 hour layovers to get your best return. We did Rome and it was worth it. We had 10 hours and it was enough to leave the airport (30 minutes), get on a train (1 hour), and several minutes to figure out the subway to the spots we wanted. We ended up walking most of it and that was part of the joy. I’m a big fan of beer photos next to historic items. Take your special social media pictures. Pull out cash ($100 if you can do it) for emergencies. If you’re wondering about quick tours, research ahead if there’s a long line and if it’s worth skipping. It may be worth dedicated a future trip to that spot. It’s nice to get a teaser. I recommend picking up local alcohol from the duty free at airport and food while you’re out. Make sure you’re back at the airport 2 hours prior to lift off.

Also, never book a flight that has less than 1 1/2 hours layover. You need time to get off the plane and back onto the next one. It’s never worth it for 30 minutes because you’ll most likely not make it. As for the number of hops, it comes down to your comfort level and when you plan to arrive. It’s OK to have 2 hops. We went from LAX to Rome to Cairo. It’s OK to have more if it fits your budget and time. However, if you’re dealing with people with airline anxieties, keep the hops low and the layovers short. Just get from point A to B.

Arriving at airport

Arriving to this airport should be non-eventful. You’ll get off and walk a short period of time until you come to the customs line.

Important: $25 for 30 day tourist visa required before entering the passport exit line. It is best to have cash since they’ll try to say that their credit card machines aren’t working. Following the other tourists as they get their visa. If possible, you might want to get the visa online and have it printed out: https://www.ivisa.com/. The ATM at the airports may be out of service and you’re stuck. They’ll have mercy and their credit card machines may automatically work, but it’s a hassle.

I think there was wifi in the airport, but it’s slow. It’s time to turn on your international cell phone roaming.

Once through the gates, pick your luggage and be ready to travel to your lodging.

Travel to Lodging

I recommend not driving or renting a vehicle. Take a taxi as your visit. Expect a man to greet you and find a taxi. Ask for the price from A to B right away. He’ll give you an amount and that’s what you pay the taxi drive. He’ll want a tip. This is where your $5 or $10 cash tip will help. It’s best to have American dollars. Expect $10 – $30 to reach your destination. Most hotels will allow you to drop off your luggage early if you’re not able to check in before most 2 PM times.

Busses are going to take longer and most likely won’t help. I’d skip them.

Uber does work here (Not in Luxor), but other apps do! Careem is what the locals use. We used it and it was very affordable. While you’re waiting for a Careem pick up, you’ll be harassed by taxi drivers. You’re welcome to tell them you’re waiting for someone to pick you up. They’ll continue to offer you a cheaper price when you’re waiting and it gets annoying.

Picking Lodging

When it comes to lodging, there are three options. You can stay safe by getting an upscale hotel in the middle of the city, get lodging next to the Pyramids in Giza, or find an AirBnb for your family. It comes down to what you’re willing to pay. AirBnb is king on the price and can get the best views. We did one with the view of the Pyramids. It cost us around $115 a night and the host was amazing. Below is the link to where we booked. We could book in the same area for $50 night, but we had extra rooms just in case. You should check if your hotel or AirBnB has laundry washing capability and air conditioning.

View On AirbnbRental unit in Nazlet El-Semman · ★4.97 · 3 bedrooms · 6 beds · 1 bath

If you’re taking a family, stay in the center of the city. It is marked green in the middle of Cairo. Stay next to the river. Teenagers will be more comfortable with the hotel options and restaurants. You can easily take taxis to the sites and back. However, if you’re an adventure traveler, I highly recommend finding a place right next to the Giza pyramids. The view is one of a kind and pictures do not do justice. If you’re staying in Giza, expect to be solicited for everything. For those who aren’t use to 3rd world countries, you may find the poverty to be too much and dirty.

How to daily travel

Walking will be a challenge when it’s hot. You’ll always be solicited for taxi rides or sold stuff. When you leave the lodging location, figure out your travel routine. Crossing the roads are dangerous. There are people jaywalking and crossing the streets at all times of the day. Figure out how they do and try it. If you’re dealing with kids, don’t try it. Just go to the stop lights or order a taxi. Kids aren’t use to it and may risk getting hurt.

How to take photos

If you’re taking a DSLR camera, you’ll want to take a wide angle and regular kit lens. The wide angle will get your landscape shots while the regular kit lense will get everything else. Play with your manual settings to get better shorts inside of the low light places.

However, the best is mobile cameras. Samsung Ultra 24 or the latest IPhone will have all the best abilities that a DSLR provides without the hassle of changing lenses. Just turn the camera around and use the selfie mode. You’ll get plenty of good photos without needing someone else or a tripod. Also, selfie sticks are dumb. Leave them at home or better yet, put them in the trash. It’s best to get a better phone with cameras that support turning it around.

I didn’t get a GoPro or Ace270. I found that my mobile camera did much better in low light. I found it easier to start, stop, and delete recordings than the GoPros. We went up inside the pyramids with this method and it worked very well. Also, the mobile phone cameras are starting to allowing recording at 4K and 8K. You can do so much with this as being your option.

I honestly believe most people are able to take decent photos. I would recommend spending time take as many photo as you can. When will you ever come back to Egypt again? Go for broke.

How to eat and drink

Egypt is very friendly on food. You’ll find everything to be so cheap, you’ll not believe the prices. A meal could cost you $4 and if you feel like you’re not paying enough. Don’t bother going grocery shopping. You’re best to order take out and bring it back to the lodging location. Microwave and enjoy the leftovers. If you have children, there are plenty of options for chicken and fast foods. You’ll not be disappointed. Everything is a value menu. Deserts are tasty and kids should eat well. If you’re a foodie who is too good for fast food, then maybe you should skip my section. Fast food in Egypt isn’t the same as the United States. It’s a comfort food for children and maybe, you’ll need that for a start.

As seen on instagram, it’s totally worth getting KFC and Pizza Hut food next to the Pyramids. It’s a killer picture!

As in most 3rd world countries, avoid the ice and stick to bottled waters or drinks. This goes for your lodging. Don’t think that they have a filtering system. Brush your teeth with bottled water and don’t put the shower water in your mouth.

I didn’t find any exotic foods in Egypt that were found in other parts of the world. Most of the time, the food is very healthy and affordable. Most people speak English in the tourist areas.

When it comes to alcohol, there are liquor stores in the areas called Drinkies. You’re best to get all your booze and bring it back to the lodging. It is difficult to find some places that serve alcohol, but they exist. The Turkish coffee is amazing. Since it’s always hot, travel with water in your backpack.

Traveling during Ramadan is a whole different experience. Be ready for limitations and local Muslims to limit day time experiences. While staying in Abu Dhabi, we’ve noticed that everyone shifted their schedules to at night and slept during the day. Maybe this applies to Egypt too.

Must haves to visit

These are the must haves if you’re spending any money to travel to Egypt. Even if you plan to go back, make this happen for your first visit.

Giza Pyramids Spinx

Official Website: https://egymonuments.gov.eg/archaeological-sites/giza-plateau

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You can show up yourself or pay for someone to take you. If you’re not an adventure traveler, you’re best to pay for someone to take you through. If you’re going solo, like we did, be sure to reserve tickets online and scan with your phone or best print them out. Expect to spend 4 hours onsite and arrive as early in the morning as you can. The later in the day, the busier and hotter it’ll become. You’ll be charged money to take any ride either by car, on camel, or wagon. Also, buy the addons to go inside the pyramids. It’s an experience and expect a workout. Below is an example video of your possible experience. After taking pictures next to the sphinx, climbing inside the largest pyramid and walk around to see the others, it’s tiring. I didn’t find interest in the other tombs or other sites in the area. You could get those, but aren’t must to haves.

New Egyptian Grand Museum

Official Website: https://grandegyptianmuseum.org/

Pyramid-Wall
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This museum is new and is still in progress. However, through online reservations, some can visit this in the early months prior to a public opening. There are so many artifacts that you can look up close and touch. It’s clean and well kept. There are affordable places to eat and drink. It’s very family friendly. This is a must have for anyone. When you climb the stairs, you’ll see those pyramids. Do pay for the audio tour. It’s worth it.

Original Egyptian Museum

Source: https://egyptianmuseumcairo.eg/

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This is where you’ll find the King Tut exhibit until it’s moved to the new Grand Museum. It’s worth buying the ticket online and having it ready before you go in. You may find yourself solicited for guides and that’s OK. You can pay them to show you around, but you’ll want to know what you’re looking for. Look for King Tut’s treasures, the two brothers painting, and the book of the dead (framed on a wall). You can knock this place out in two hours or more if you’re hiring a guide. It’s dusty and the exhibits are old fashion. Make sure you get what you came for.

“Nice to haves” to visit

If you’re traveling with a family, you’re going to take them to the mall. Let them shop and eat. The world is becoming a smaller place as we see places we have in common. Shopping malls is a part of the modern world. There is only so many history sites you can visit before you become numb. Hence, these are nice to haves. Instagram places such as the Pizza Hut & KFC is good to try, but not a must. We weren’t disappointed. We left Cairo knowing we did enough.

  • Coptic Churches
  • Khan Al-Khalili (open-air bazaar)
  • Pizza Hut & KFC next to the Pyramid
  • Hookah Bars and Turkish Coffee cafes
  • Cairo Citadel
  • Mosque of Muhammad Ali
  • Saqqara (Sakkara) Pyramids

How to leave to airport

Finally, you’re ready to leave. It’s best to leave after 12 PM. Leave enough time to eat, pack, clean, and make it to the airport. Taxis or ride shares are best. Don’t take a bus. Leave yourself an hour just to arrive to the airport and 2 hours for international, 1 1/2 hours for domestics. The airport security is old school and they must scan your luggage. It’s going to be stressful. Once inside, be prepared to eat and pay attention to the leaving times. Thanks for coming to Cairo. I hope this gives just enough to make your trip easier.

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I love to Travel

Hello,

Welcome to my personal website. As I write this at the end of 2024 and I’m to the point in my life where I must make major decisions on where to travel. Although I’ve traveled most of my later life, there’s much more I wish to see and do.

I’m a successful engineer, father, husband, and friend. I’m grateful to have a career that pays well, a wife the supports my travels, and a loving blended family. I have four children who all love to travel. This site is dedicated to sharing these stories and how it’s done.

V/R,

Norman “Otto” “Harvey” Bohn

San Diego, California